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It’s natural for dog owners to feel anxious when their dog appears ill or unwell. Stroke symptoms in dogs can be very alarming, but it’s important to know that these conditions are usually not as severe in dogs as they are in humans. Learning how to recognize stroke symptoms in your dog is essential, so you can take the right steps if this happens to your pet. If you suspect your dog may have had a stroke, seek immediate veterinary help and follow all instructions carefully during treatment.
Steps
Recognizing a Stroke in Dogs
Pay attention to stroke symptoms in dogs. A stroke in dogs typically occurs when blood vessels in the brain either rupture (hemorrhagic stroke) or become blocked (ischemic stroke). The symptoms of a stroke in dogs can appear suddenly and may differ from typical human stroke signs. Your dog may have suffered a stroke if:
- It starts walking in circles for no apparent reason.
- The head tilts to one side.
- It turns in the wrong direction when called.
- It has trouble maintaining balance or walking properly.
- It seems lethargic.
- It experiences sudden, uncontrollable urination.
- It shows signs of vision loss.
- It suddenly collapses.
- You may also notice your dog’s eyes moving rapidly from side to side as if following a moving object (nystagmus). Stroke is the only condition that can lead to nystagmus, but it’s still best to have a veterinarian assess this symptom.
Consider the risk factors for strokes in dogs. You can assist the veterinarian in diagnosing a stroke and identifying its cause more quickly by providing information about any risk factors your dog may have. Older dogs, as well as those with a history of:
- Head injuries or trauma
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Endocrine disorders such as thyroid disease or Cushing's disease
- Brain tumors
- Exposure to certain toxins
- Parasites or tick-borne diseases, such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever
Take your dog to the vet clinic. If you suspect your dog may have suffered a stroke, take them to the vet immediately and provide the veterinarian with details of the symptoms and medical history. In addition to examining and observing your dog’s behavior, the veterinarian may use imaging tests such as MRI, CT scans, or X-rays to confirm or rule out a stroke.
- The vet may also conduct other tests, such as a lumbar puncture, to check for conditions with similar symptoms.
- The vet will look for signs of hemorrhage, blood clots, inflammation, or brain tumors.
- Treat any stroke symptoms as an emergency. Early medical intervention can significantly improve your dog’s chances of recovery.
Seek medical care for your dog
Begin treatment for the underlying cause of the stroke. If tests confirm that your dog has had a stroke, the veterinarian will discuss potential causes. There is no specific treatment for stroke itself, but addressing the underlying cause is crucial.
- Ischemic strokes, caused by conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, heart disease, kidney disease, and hypertension, are more common. Hemorrhagic strokes typically result from blood clots, high blood pressure, rat poison, or weakened blood vessels.
- Other causes of stroke include brain tumors and head trauma. Once the stroke is diagnosed and its cause determined, the vet will propose a treatment plan.
Follow the veterinarian’s at-home care instructions. After a diagnosis, most dogs recovering from strokes can be cared for at home. The veterinarian may prescribe medication and provide guidance on how to monitor your dog’s condition. Your dog may become disoriented or have trouble moving. At-home care generally includes:
- Ensuring your dog has a comfortable bed.
- Taking your dog outside to relieve itself.
- Placing food and water near your dog’s bed so it’s easily accessible.
- Administering the prescribed medication.
- Daily massage to improve mobility. Use the palm of your hand to gently massage your dog’s body.
Keep your dog at the hospital for treatment if advised by the veterinarian. In cases of severe strokes or those caused by trauma, the vet may recommend keeping your dog in the hospital for observation and treatment. If the stroke is due to trauma, the first step will be to reduce swelling in the brain and rehydrate your dog. Your dog will be given intravenous fluids to maintain hydration.
- Medications such as Amlodipine may be prescribed to control high blood pressure if the stroke is hypertension-related.
- Other medications may be used, including NSAIDs for inflammation, antibiotics for infection, sedatives for disorientation and lack of coordination, antiemetics for nausea and stomach discomfort, and anticonvulsants to control seizures.
- Your dog will be placed in a comfortable position with the head slightly lower than the body during treatment to help promote proper blood circulation.
Continuously monitor your dog throughout the recovery period. At-home care involves regular monitoring during the recovery process. You might need extra help, such as asking a neighbor to watch over your dog when you’re away. You can also consider hiring a pet care service if you're not at home.
- Take advantage of lunch breaks to check on your dog, or consider working from home if possible. Also, inquire if it’s okay to bring your dog to your workplace.
Administer the medication prescribed by the veterinarian. The vet may prescribe medications to help your dog fully recover from the stroke and prevent future strokes. For symptoms such as disorientation and lack of coordination, sedatives can be used. Other medications for treatment include:
- Antiemetics for nausea control.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling.
- Antibiotics to treat infections.
- Anticonvulsants to manage seizures and prevent future strokes.
- Antiplatelet drugs like Plavix and anticoagulants as long-term therapies to prevent blood clots.
- Medications to improve oxygen delivery to the brain, such as propentofylline (Vivitonin).
Discuss your dog’s prognosis with the veterinarian. The speed of your dog’s recovery depends on various factors, including the severity of the stroke and any underlying health conditions. Severe strokes may lead to permanent disability. However, with the proper treatment, you can greatly improve your dog’s quality of life and help them adapt to issues such as poor balance.
- The vet may suggest physical therapy to help your dog regain function and compensate for any lasting disabilities.
Advice
- Stroke symptoms can be similar to other health issues, such as vestibular disorders in senior dogs. Whatever the underlying cause may be, these symptoms must be promptly assessed by a veterinarian.
